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Jordan Tourism Guide |
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Natural Sites |
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 Azraq
Wetland Reserve |
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Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the
heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert,
one of several beautiful nature reserves managed
by the RSCN. Its attractions include several
natural and ancient built pools, a seasonally
flooded marshland, and a large mudflat known as
Qa' al-Azraq. A wide variety of birds stop at
the reserve each year for a rest during their
arduous migration routes between Europe and
Africa. Some stay for the winter or breed within
the protected areas of the wetland.
Wildlife
The Azraq Oasis derives its name from the Arabic
word "Azraq", meaning blue. In the past, the
pools, marshes and streams of Azraq formed a
sparkling blue jewel in the desert, a haven for
up to a million migrating, breeding and
wintering birds. Despite the loss of most of the
permanent wetland habitat during the past
decade, due to a lack of rainfall, Azraq
continues to provide a seasonal habitat for a
large number of wildlife species.
Visitors' Centre
The new Visitors' Centre holds a small but
impressive museum with an aquarium and biotope
showcases vividly telling the story of the
ancient oasis and its modern ecological threats.
Slide shows and videos as well as guided tours
are being offered. In the Nature Shop you can
find typical local products such as handmade
reed toys and painted ostrich eggshells.
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